Table 9 - Food Incubator
The development of Table 9 began with a survey of food deserts in the city of New Orleans years after Hurricane Katrina. Incredible social capital in the areas has been mobilized to address this deficiency through the establishment of independent groceries, farmer’s markets, and community gardens. Table 9 is a building and organization that works within this existing framework to support the rebuilding efforts and renewed influx of money coming into the area from the city. The building is coupled with a number of community and economic programs designed to bring jobs, encourage entrepreneurship, and reinforce the gravity of community in the neighborhood.
At the heart of Table 9 is a food incubator set inside of an existing box store on the site. This is complemented with a food education building and banquet hall both of which can bring in additional income. The buildings themselves are wrapped by a screen that creates a soft border between the street and the interior complex. The goal was to create a series of thresholds and courtyard spaces within that the community could adapt for their own uses.
Architect: JOW Office
Location: New Orleans, LA
SF: 61,700
Date: 2018
The complex is a series of buildings shifted between one another that reorganizes the regular street grid outside into one that promotes discovery. The block is wrapped with a double layered system of perforated metal made from different colors and porosities. This layering produces different visual effects that shifts as one moves through the complex.
